1. Control of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB)

The downhole environment is a prime breeding ground for harmful anaerobic bacteria, specifically Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB).

• The Threat: SRB metabolize sulfates in injection water and produce highly toxic, corrosive Hydrogen Sulfide gas (H₂S), which sours the reservoir and causes rapidly accelerating pitting corrosion in steel pipelines.
• THPS Role: At 75% concentration, THPS penetrates the protective cellular biofilms of bacteria. It disrupts their cell membranes and metabolic enzymes, killing both free-floating and surface-attached bacteria.

2. Dissolution of Iron Sulfide (FeS) Scale

When H₂S gas reacts with steel equipment, it creates Iron Sulfide (FeS) scale. This scale clogs pipelines, plugs injection wells, and presents a severe safety hazard because it is pyrophoric (spontaneously ignites when exposed to air during maintenance).

• The Mechanism: THPS acts as a specialized chelating ligand. It chemically binds to the iron molecules inside the solid scale.
• The Result: It converts the insoluble, hard iron sulfide scale into a highly soluble, stable aqueous complex, cleanly dissolving the blockages without producing the hazardous H₂S gas releases that occur when using hydrochloric acid.

3. Protection of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids

Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping millions of gallons of water containing organic polymers (like guar gum) downhole to open rock fractures.

• Polymer Protection: Bacteria naturally present in fracturing water will rapidly consume these organic polymers, destroying the fluid’s viscosity before it can transport proppant (sand) into the fractures.
• THPS Role: It is mixed into the slickwater or gel frac-fluid at the surface to sterilize the water instantly, ensuring the polymers remain intact until the job is completed.

4. Water Injection System and Pipeline Maintenance

Produced water and seawater injected back into reservoirs must be kept sterile to prevent “reservoir souring.”

• Application: THPS 75% is applied via continuous injection or high-concentration periodic “slug doses” into water injection lines and transport pipelines.
• Benefit: Because it is a non-foaming biocide, it can be safely pumped through pipelines without creating air pockets or disrupting downstream oil-water separators.

Key Operational Advantages

• Excellent Environmental Profile: Unlike older biocides like glutaraldehyde or acrolein, THPS breaks down rapidly into harmless substances (primarily oxygenated phosphorus compounds) in the environment, making it favored for offshore drilling.
• High Thermal Stability: It remains chemically active and stable in high-temperature downhole reservoirs up to 140°C.
• Low Toxicity to Operators: It has a significantly lower vapor pressure than aldehyde-based biocides, drastically reducing toxic fumes for field workers handling the chemical at the surface

Packaging: Our Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) Phosphonium Sulfate (THPS) 75% is supplied in 265 USG per IBC Tote